Named to the All-NBA team 12 times, Hakeem was a cut above the competition.

Named to the All-NBA team 12 times, Hakeem was a cut above the competition.

Photo: TIM JOHNSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Named to the All-NBA team 12 times, Hakeem was a cut above the... Photo-4065387.55509 - Houston Chronicle

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.55509 - Houston Chronicle

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Hakeem, left, wore goggles for a short period of time during the 1991-92 season.

Hakeem, left, wore goggles for a short period of time during the 1991-92 season.

Photo: Howard Castelberry, Houston Chronicle

Hakeem, left, wore goggles for a short period of time during the... Photo-4065388.55509 - Houston Chronicle

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Hakeem won the Defensive Player of the Year Award twice (1992-93, 93-94) and was named to the All-Defensive team nine times.

Hakeem won the Defensive Player of the Year Award twice (1992-93, 93-94) and was named to the All-Defensive team nine times.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka, Houston Chronicle

Hakeem won the Defensive Player of the Year Award twice (1992-93,... Photo-4065389.55509 - Houston Chronicle

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The 1993-94 season turned out to be a Dream season for Hakeem and the Rockets.

The 1993-94 season turned out to be a Dream season for Hakeem and the Rockets.

Photo: Dave Einsel, Houston Chronicle

The 1993-94 season turned out to be a Dream season for Hakeem and... Photo-4065390.55509 - Houston Chronicle

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In 1994, Hakeem and the Rockets captured Houston's imagination and its first major sports championship as they defeated the New York Knicks in seven games. For his efforts, the Dream was named the Finals MVP. He also won the regular season MVP award that season. less

In 1994, Hakeem and the Rockets captured Houston's imagination and its first major sports championship as they defeated the New York Knicks in seven games. For his efforts, the Dream was named the Finals MVP. ... more

The Rockets retired Hakeem's jersey number in November of 2002. Photo-4065419.55509 - Houston Chronicle

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Fan favorite to the end: More than just his dominating game endeared Hakeem to Houston fans. The class with which he conducted himself on and off the court was a big factor in his popularity here as well, and that was evident when he had his number retired. Olajuwon got a warm reception for the ceremony, and many fans has signs expressing their gratitude for what he meant to them and the city. less

Fan favorite to the end: More than just his dominating game endeared Hakeem to Houston fans. The class with which he conducted himself on and off the court was a big factor in his popularity here as well, and ... more

Photo: KAREN WARREN, HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Fan favorite to the end: More than just his dominating game... Photo-4065420.55509 - Houston Chronicle

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.55509 - Houston Chronicle

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In April of 2008, the Rockets unveiled a monument to Hakeem, displaying his famed No. 34 jersey.

In April of 2008, the Rockets unveiled a monument to Hakeem, displaying his famed No. 34 jersey.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

In April of 2008, the Rockets unveiled a monument to Hakeem,... Photo-4065421.55509 - Houston Chronicle

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Along with Patrick Ewing, left, and Pat Riley, right, Hakeem was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

Along with Patrick Ewing, left, and Pat Riley, right, Hakeem was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.